Delayed Security Strategy Among Pacific Island Nations Leaves Room for Chinese Influence

On May 29, 2020, a Chinese-run grocery store in Honiara, Solomon Islands, became a symbol of the growing presence of China in the Pacific region. In the context of intensifying competition between China, Australia, and the United States, the leaders of the four largest Pacific Island nations—Solomon Islands, Papua New Guinea, Vanuatu, and Fiji—have decided to postpone finalizing a joint security strategy, which aims to enhance maritime security.

During a recent meeting in Fiji, Papua New Guinea’s Foreign Minister Justin Tkatchenko indicated that agreements on the security strategy were not yet reached, pointing to challenging discussions on Taiwan and the need to balance differing national interests. The Melanesian Spearhead Group, which is strongly courted by China, has acknowledged the possibility of counting China as a security partner, particularly since Beijing has funded its headquarters in Vanuatu.

Meanwhile, the Pacific Islands Forum, a larger diplomatic bloc comprising 18 members, has pushed back against establishing security ties with China, advocating instead for regional self-sufficiency in security matters. Among the Melanesian nations, Solomon Islands and Vanuatu are viewed as having closer ties to China, whereas Papua New Guinea maintains security agreements with both the U.S. and Australia, and Fiji has a defense relationship with Australia.

In response to illegal fishing concerns in the area, Australia has pledged to increase its support to Pacific nations, doubling its funding for aerial maritime surveillance to approximately A$477 million, which will be used for enhancing patrols using civilian aircraft and drones. Alarmingly, China recently showcased its coast guard capabilities to Pacific Island ministers, raising worries among some local officials about potential Chinese patrols in the South Pacific as U.S. Coast Guard activities ramp up.

Australian Pacific Minister Pat Conroy attended the Melanesian Spearhead Group meeting for the first time, where he stressed Australia's position as the largest trading partner for all member countries. Solomon Islands Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele noted some advancements in the security discussions, affirming commitments to stability and collaboration among member states without divulging specifics on partnerships.

Moreover, Conroy indicated that Australia plans to offer further assistance to Solomon Islands, including police vehicles and cybersecurity support, in light of the upcoming Pacific Islands Forum leaders meeting in September. He clarified his stance against involving China in policing efforts in the Pacific, emphasizing that Solomon Islands intends to seek help from its Melanesian neighbors to address any security gaps.